C is for Content, Comments & Challenges

Content is key in Blogosphere. If you’ve got great content – it makes for some pretty awesome reading and will also result in some heavy duty comments on your blog. How do you know if your content is good, bad, mediocre or just fabulous ? The thing is – you never really know but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t blog from your heart. If you blog about something that inspires you, stirs you, drives you – it will come across in your writing and that in turn will make your readers think about it.

The internet is your oyster and the Gods of Google are around to help you find all the content that you need for your blog. You just have to take some time and find the topics that will interest you, your readers and find a connect there. This will only happen once you just blog, blog & blog some more (oh and maybe you can even create a survey and get feedback on what type of content your readers like based on the results)

Comments

When I first started blogging, I realized that I appreciated anyone who would take the time to leave a comment for me on my blog; and I’m pretty sure other bloggers would to.

How else do you think a blogger will know that ‘you’ read their blog and found it interesting enough to leave your digital footprint behind ? Comments are a great way of interacting with not only the blog author but with other readers of the blog; and its a sure fire way of getting other bloggers to at least drop by your blog once if they find your comments interesting. Don’t be shy about it and just say your two bits – its not that hard. I remember it took me a while to find my blogger voice but once I did (or at least thought I did) – there was no stopping me.

Challenges

I’d always heard of blog challenges but up until last August I had never participated in one (maybe ‘cos I was unsure of what to expect – all the other people in challenges seemed to be such pros!) and after my first experience I would strongly recommend it to all bloggers – newbies & veterans alike !

Here are 3 challenges that would help you generate some great content and get a fair number of comments as well:

What are your thoughts ? How do you generate content for your blog ? Do you prefer to comments to subscribers on your blog ? Do you leave comments on other blogs or are you a lurker (someone who visits but doesn’t comment) Have you participated in any blog challenges before ? Which ones ? What do you think of the A to Z challenge so far ?

Did I mention I love your blog? I did? Well, repeating it can't hurt -- your blog is excellent! You're honest and natural, and what you blog about is useful and always great to be reminded of. Thanks for doing what you do and encouraging others to follow suit! :)

Hi there, I always respond to comments on my posts, apart from when I have 20-30 comments and then I'll just make a general reply to all the commenters and answer a few common questions. And yes, I do take the time to visit other blogs and leave meaningful comments. I've made some great bloggy friends here!

This is me, Duncan D. Horne, visiting you from the A-Z challenge, wishing you all the best throughout April and beyond.

Excellent tips. I really enjoy your posts on the A-Z. A lot of what you says makes perfect sense but is often things people overlook.

I agree, if your blog content is something you're passionate about that comes through in your posts. For me replying to comments is common curtsey, even if it's just to say thanks. Challenges, fests and blog hops are great. It's how I've met most of my followers/ found new blogs to follow.

I've done a few blog challenges but never anything this HUGE. Its quite intimidating actually seeing as there are so many talented writers, authors etc. and I'm neither. I'm just a mum who blogs about her twisted life and gets comments for doing so.

I never run out of things to say on my blog. I guess I blog like I talk - and I talk a LOT!

@Miriam .. I hear you, as long as people are commenting & tweeting my posts then I'm happy 'cos it means I'm doing something right :)

@ Vero .. aww *blush* Thank you so much for your kind words. Glad to know that my blog has made a positive impact - and coming from a new reader that's the best buzz ever !!

@Damyanti .. thank you :)

@TheHopefulRomantic .. The ones who RT & share but don't comment are still in the lurking phase and eventually will leave you comments. I actually did a post on this topic last year and discovered a few lurkers hehee

@Duncan .. thanks for stopping by & sharing your comment. I aim to reply to all comments (unless the cyber Gods have somehow failed to inform me of them). It took me a few weeks/months to comment on other blogs just 'cos I was over whelmed at the huge number of established bloggers out there who always seemed to already voice my opinion and hence I didn't want to appear foolish to others who might think I was just copying the other blogger (get where I'm coming from ?)

@Clare - thanks for your feedback, makes me feel good knowing someone else is able to relate to what I'm saying :)

@Sulekkha - welcome to my blog :) I can't believe you are participating in 2 challenges at the same time ! that's amazing ! One of reasons I enjoy blogging is 'cos of the varied opinions and points of view that you get to come across (which is something I honestly feel has died within society)

@ ADaftScotsLass - you should definitely try the Ultimate Blog Challenge .. it was something else ! One of my mates (one of few who know I have a blog) was telling me today how my blog is exactly like I speak and that's what makes it easy to read. I must say, from what I've read of your blog, your writing has a great flow, is descriptive enough to bring a reader to that moment and really experience what you have to say. You've got a follower in me :)

Hey there, Discovered your blog via the A to Z challenge, but I think I need to stick around and check it out. Great post for the letter C. I dont blog as much as I should, because it is hard for me to come up with decent content, that is why I joined this challenge. Cant wait to see what you blog about for the rest of the alphabet.-Debbie